Echoes In the Abyss

23|The Mafia Ball|

~Perseus Pov

The morning after the training session, my muscles still ached. That was no surprise-Artemis was relentless, as always. But it was the kind of pain I enjoyed. It meant I had pushed myself, tested my limits, and perhaps even tested hers.

Yet, despite the grueling session, today had a different weight. The ball. An event where appearances meant more than reality, where deals were made without words, and power was measured in glances and whispers.

This year, though, it wouldn't just be business as usual. Artemis would be with me.

I spent the morning focused, reviewing the guest list, ensuring everything was in place. The ball wasn't just for show; it was a subtle display of the mafia's hierarchy. Power dressed in tuxedos and gowns. I had a reputation to uphold, one of strength, ruthlessness, and control. Bringing Artemis wasn't part of the plan initially, but after the last few days... I wanted her there. No, I needed her there.

In my suite, I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the black tuxedo jacket over my shoulders. The fabric was custom-made, Italian-sharp and fitted perfectly to my body, as it should be. I fastened the buttons, feeling the weight of the silk bow tie around my neck. My reflection stared back at me, cold and calculating. This wasn't just a ball; it was a chance to remind everyone of my dominance.

But the moment I thought of Artemis descending those stairs, everything in me shifted.

"She's going to draw attention," I muttered under my breath.

"Of course she will." Nicholas's voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

He stood in the doorway, dressed in his usual black attire, more tactical than formal, as always. "Security's tight tonight, right?"

I nodded, straightening my jacket. "Tighter than it's ever been. I don't want any surprises."

Nicholas smirked, stepping further into the room. "You're bringing her to the ball, aren't you? That's why the extra layers."

I paused, my jaw tightening. "Artemis will be by my side, yes. And with her there, we can't afford any slip-ups. She'll be a target."

"She's always a target." His voice carried a subtle hint of warning. "And you're bringing her into a room full of people who'd do anything to see you lose your control."

"I won't lose control," I said sharply. "And neither will she."

Nicholas raised a brow but said nothing, trusting my judgment, as he always did. We both knew how dangerous the night would be, but for some reason, the idea of having her there... it felt right. I wasn't sure if it was the challenge of keeping her safe or the twisted satisfaction of watching every man in that room stare at her, knowing she wasn't theirs to touch.

---
When I headed downstairs, the house buzzed with activity. Camilla was in her room, probably deciding on which jewels would outshine everyone else at the event. My mother, ever the perfectionist, was giving instructions to the staff, making sure nothing was out of place. She liked things flawless, and tonight needed to be exactly that.

Nicholas trailed behind me as we made our way toward the front hall. "Everything's in place, right?" I asked him.

"Extra security on all entrances, no one's getting in without being vetted twice," he replied. "I've got men posted outside, inside, and a few who'll be blending in with the guests."

"Good." My mind was racing, considering all the angles. "Keep eyes on everyone. If anyone so much as looks at her wrong-"

"They won't get the chance," Nicholas interrupted with a smirk. "But I get it. She's a magnet for trouble."

I shot him a look but didn't disagree.

---
Then it happened. The moment she stepped onto the top of the staircase, I swear the air in the room shifted. Silence, as if the entire house was holding its breath. My eyes locked onto her immediately, and everything else blurred.

She was breathtaking.

The dress was black, of course. A masterpiece that clung to her curves, hugging her body in all the right places before flaring out just slightly at the hem. The lace detailing was delicate, dangerously beautiful, and it shimmered faintly under the soft lights. Her hair was loose, cascading in soft waves down her back, something I'd never seen before.

She moved with confidence, every step calculated and graceful, as if she belonged on that staircase, descending into my world like a queen.

I felt an unexpected surge of possessiveness, stronger than I'd ever experienced before. It wasn't just the way she looked-it was the way every inch of her screamed power and allure, and I hated that other men would see it. The thought of anyone else looking at her the way I did made my jaw clench.

God, I wanted to lock her away. Take her somewhere no one else could ever lay eyes on her. But I couldn't. Not tonight. She'd be at my side, and everyone would know she was with me.

She reached the bottom of the stairs, her eyes meeting mine. A flicker of something-maybe amusement, maybe challenge-crossed her face, but I couldn't read it. All I knew was that tonight, she'd be a distraction I couldn't afford. And yet, I couldn't stop myself from wanting her there.

---
The drive to the ball was quiet, but the tension simmered just beneath the surface. I could feel her presence beside me, calm and composed, while I tried to suppress the possessiveness that still burned inside me.

We arrived at the venue, an estate that was more a palace than a mansion. Massive columns towered over the entrance, and the grand chandeliers visible through the windows cast a golden glow across the sprawling lawn. It was the kind of place that screamed wealth, influence, and old-world power-a perfect setting for the mafia's elite.

The moment we stepped out of the car, the whispers began. I saw the way men's eyes followed her, unable to look away. It was infuriating, but I forced myself to keep my composure.

Inside, the ballroom was just as grand. High ceilings, marble floors, and chandeliers that reflected off every surface. The tables were adorned with gold and black accents, and the scent of expensive cologne and champagne filled the air. But even in all that grandeur, Artemis was the center of attention.

I could feel the stares, the questions that lingered behind every glance. Who was she? Why was she with me? Everyone knew I didn't bring women to events like this-not unless they were the kind who clung to me for my money, my power, or my name. But Artemis... she was different.

She walked beside me, her head held high, and I could sense the envy, the curiosity. Men who once saw me as untouchable now stared at her, probably wondering how I managed to get a woman like her to stand by my side

I hated it. The way they looked at her. I hated that any of them thought they could have her, even if for a second. I wanted to grab her, pull her close, and make it clear to every single man in that room that she wasn't theirs to even look at.

She was mine.

I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to act on those instincts. Instead, I played the game. Shaking hands, greeting old allies, maintaining the facade. But all the while, my eyes stayed on her. Watching. Protecting. Wanting.

No one was going to touch her tonight. No one would dare.

And yet, as we made our way through the crowd, I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of pride. She wasn't just some woman in a dress.

She was Artemis, fierce and independent, walking beside me, not as an equal.